In 1838, the U.S. government launched the largest discovery voyage the Western world had ever seen; six sailing vessels and 346 men bound for the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Four years later, the U.S. Exploring Expedition, or Ex. Ex. as it was known, returned with an astounding array of accomplishments and discoveries: 87,000 miles logged, 280 Pacific islands surveyed, 4,000 zoological specimens collected, including 2,000 new species, and the discovery of the continent of Antarctica. And yet at a human level, the project was a disaster. Not only had 28 men died and 2 ships been lost, but a series of sensational court-martials had also ensued that pitted the expedition's controversial leader, Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, against almost every officer under his command.

Though comparable in importance and breadth of success to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Ex. Ex. has been largely forgotten. Now, the celebrated Nathaniel Philbrick recreates this chapter of American maritime history in all its triumph and scandal.

Like the award-winning In the Heart of the Sea, Sea of Glory combines meticulous history with spellbinding human drama as it circles the globe from the palm-fringed beaches of the South Pacific to the treacherous waters off Antarctica and to the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and, finally, to a court-martial aboard a ship anchored off New York City. Download and start listening now!

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Listener Opinions

by Pamela | 1/30/2014

" This book was more about personalities at work than a scientific overview of the Ex Ex; It was interesting reading about the people, their personalities and how they inter-played with the often (deservedly) maligned Lt Wilkes. Wilkes, who led the four year survey team of the Pacific, Antarctic region and the Northwest coast of the US was given more responsibility than he was probably equipped to deal with under a highly stressful situation. It most likely didn't help that he was never given the actual rank that his task needed, and thus never really had the full measure of trust from his entire squadron of ships. The few people he had respect from lost it because of things that he did.. things that probably could have made the expedition more of a success. On a happy note, it was because of the great success of the scientists and sheer volume of specimens involved with the Exploring Expedition that a certain wealthy American's dream of establishing some sort of place or institution (a man named Smithson) became a reality which we call the Smithsonian Institute.. "You gotta have a place for your stuff."
I felt it was a good reminder of the flaws of humanity, the petty nature of people, and a very good example of how we don't always get what we deserve or want and life just isn't fair.. Wilkes felt he deserved so much more and was driven by ego rather than talent. The people with real talent never got the revenge they felt they needed or were justified. I think it would make a great book for psych majors too. ;P "

by Augustus | 1/29/2014

" The one crazy guy that became the source of the Smithsonian and the National Observatory and discovered that Antarctica was a continent. He also was the expedition that solidified an acceptance of government-funded science. The writing of the book is way better than my review. "

by Dugger | 1/29/2014

" Story of the pacific ocean exploration by US in the 1800s. Captain Wilkes was egomaniac with control issues that led to widespread discontent during the four year journey. Great accomplishments during a time of worldwide exploration of the seas. "

by Jose | 1/29/2014

" history can be fun. unbelievable what people went through to explore things "

" Biologists, botanists, geologists, mapmakers, six ships, all under the rule of a martinet captain, and all bent on discovering a new continent (Antarctica) and surveying previously undiscovered Pacific islands, then the Columbia River - collecting specimens (which became the foundation of the Smithsonian) and confirming Darwin's theory of the formation of coral atolls. Philbrick (a National Book Award winner,) writes of these exploits, dangerous encounters with tribes native to the islands they visited, and takes the reader inside the minds of these brave and (sometimes) brilliant scientists. "

Brent | 1/15/2014

" I didn't know about Wilkes et. al, The Exploring Expedition, until this book was reviewed; finally I read Sea of Glory with fascination, after reading Philbrick's telling of the Mayflower saga (in Mayflower, two years ago). In Sea of Glory, the Exploring Expedition discovers Antartica and essentially starts the Smithsonian. It's an amazing adventure. "

Rev. Mysterium | 1/11/2014

" I didn't know what to expect with this one, as I had never read anything by the author and had heard mixed reviews. I was happy to discover his work and look into this little known bit of history of exploration. Very well detailed and researched. I think one can take a few lessons in how to be a leader from it as well, as it's main character, leaves a lot to be desired in the people skills department, but one does have to place themselves in the time and place to understand what goes through a man's heart and mind under that kind of pressure and testing. "

Brian | 1/6/2014

" This dude makes old stuff read like new. "

Scott | 11/6/2013

" I love these adventure history books! Wilkes--what a prick! Or maybe just some dude doing the best he can. "

Evelyn | 8/2/2013

" First US sponsored scientific exploration which is a great read due to the "Captain" being a megalomaniac as he attempts to manage 6 ships over 4 years as they sail to Antarticia, the Pacific Islands and the Columbia River Gorge. "

" Such a great book... amazing read if your into American History :) Great storyline... one of my favorites. "

cartercam | 9/10/2012

" I struggled with this one. I was not at all engaged with the characters and I didn't really care what happened to the expedition. I can't pinpoint if it was the author's voice that I couldn't connect to, or if the true story and real-life people were just boring. Probably some of both. "

Cape Fisherman | 6/4/2012

" A meticulously researched piece, 'Sea of Glory' carries you through the remarkable journey of the US Exploring Expedition. Philbrick tugs at your emotions, one moment loathing the hardlined captain only to emphasize with him later. "

MP | 2/6/2012

" Interesting read about a lost chapter in American history. Really makes me want to go to the Smithsonian now! "

Jana | 10/29/2011

" I listened to this in the car. It was a very interesting book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. "

Tim | 5/22/2011

" A very interesting historical read that went well with my steady diet of Patrick O'Brian and the the Aubrey - Maturin series.

The real story was the foundation of Moby Dick.

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Kathie | 5/18/2011

" Fascinating historical account of whaling
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Jenny | 5/17/2011

" Fantastic! Cannibalism, whaling, shipwrecks!
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Tag | 5/15/2011

" Enjoyable read, it's amazing how the crew survived in open boats in the middle of the ocean. I guess the cannibalism had something to do with it though...yum!
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Cindy | 5/13/2011

" Didn't think I would like it, but it was surprisingly interesting. Nothing like a good (true) tale of survival cannibalism!
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Mary | 5/13/2011

" Tremendous spirit of two officers who lead boats. Amazing what men can indure. Unreal what happens to the body during extreme deprivation. The whale intelligence is another whole dimension.
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Ruth | 5/6/2011

" A great read! Great lesson in the history of whaling.
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Rachel | 4/20/2011

" There were times when it dragged, though it was necessary to explain the whaling process.
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Tara | 4/18/2011

" I thought this book was very exciting. In addition to the stranded/shipwreck aspect, it gave a good idea of what it was like to work on a whaling vessel in the early 1800s and a good picture of life on Nantucket at that time.
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Baylor | 4/7/2011

" good, but hard to recommend. try to read quickly through the parts about cannibalism.
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Don | 4/7/2011

" Great historic perspective into the whaling industry, old Natucket culture and a horrifying true tale of survival at sea.
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